Previously known as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, ECC is caused by the oral bacteria strep.mutans, which can be passed through saliva when mothers or caregivers share food, utensils or kisses with children.

According to a local study presented at the FDI World Dental Congress in 2006, 90 per cent of such cases are untreated. Four out of 10 preschoolers here suffer from it.

“Many parents think that it’s okay to let primary teeth rot. They think that the baby teeth will all fall out and be replaced anyway,” Dr Lai observes.

The truth is that permanent teeth that erupt in a mouth full of bacteria face a higher risk of decay.

But before you rush Baby to the nearest dental clinic, dentists say it’s important to ease very young children into the experience.

“For them not to have a bad experience, the first visit is usually like a rehearsal. They will then be more game for subsequent visits,” says Dr Rashid Tahir, dental specialist in paediatric dentistry at The Kids Dentist.

Dr Lai agrees: “If you take your child to the dentist early, he will get guided slowly into the environment. Start early before any invasive treatment is needed and it is less likely for him to develop a dental phobia.”

Dylan is living proof that visits to the dentist is a habit that can be cultivated.

“When he got used to it, he didn’t cry so much any more,” Laine says proudly. “Now, he can take injections without crying. He even asks for dental check-ups.”